The phenomenon of relative deprivation applied to education is called-appropriately enough-the "Big Fish–Little Pond Effect." The more elite an educational institution is, the worse students feel about their own academic abilities. Students who would be at the top of their class at a good school can easily fall to the bottom of a really good school. Students who would feel that they have mastered a subject at a good school can have the feeling that they are falling farther and farther behind in a really good school. And that feeling-as subjective and ridiculous and irrational as it may be-matters. How you feel about your abilities-your academic "self-concept"-in the context of your classroom shapes your willingness to tackle challenges and finish difficult tasks. It's a crucial element in your motivation and confidence.
( Malcolm Gladwell )
[ David and Goliath: Underdogs, ]
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